It’s not hard to be better looking than I am. And if you are, you stand a decent chance on Famelab…

Heats are in London, Cardiff, Plymouth, York, Glasgow, Oxford and Belfast over the next couple of months. Here’s the schedule and here’s the blurb:

FameLab is a national competition based on science communication aimed at individuals early- and mid-career scientists (over 21) currently researching or working in science or engineering and sponsored by NESTA

The aim of the competition is to encourage scientists to inspire and excite the public imagination with a vision of science in the 21st century. It is a search for the new voices and faces of UK science and engineering who will be able to develop their ideas and presentation skills for an adult audience.

Competitors present a topic for just 3 minutes and a panel of judges assess each on content (accuracy and suitability), clarity and charisma.

Entry is easy competitors just turn up at one of the regional heats and present any scientific topic to a panel of expert judges. No need to apply before the day of the audition, but are strongly encouraged to register for email updates.

There are Prizes too:

Weekend Masterclass
The finalists and reserves that are chosen from the regional heats will win a residential weekend masterclass in science communication. Here, you will work with TV producers, journalists, science communicators and media trainers.

You will be able to develop your media and presentation skills, get a behind-the-scenes insight into TV production, deconstruct science presentations and work with the team to develop an idea you can take forward for television or a series of talks.

Prizes for the winner and runners-up
The overall NESTA FameLab winner chosen at the final in Cheltenham will receive £2000 and a two-week internship with Channel 4. Two runners-up will each receive £750.

With the British Council there is also a programme of appearances for the winner and runners-up that may involve travelling abroad to represent UK science and technology.

Just for taking part…
They are building a database of talented communicators so entrants could still make some very useful contacts and will also be able to take part in a mini-masterclass on the day of the heat, in which they will learn presentation and communication skills from an expert trainer (thanks to Research Councils UK).